"This is not football anymore" "Is this a UFC match or what? "Definitely the referee needs to be questioned"

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“This is not football anymore.”
“Is this a UFC match or what?”
“Definitely the referee needs to be questioned.”

Those were the furious reactions from fans and pundits following a chaotic and controversial Old Firm clash between Rangers F.C. and Celtic F.C. that has left Scottish football drowning in debate.

The match itself was already a tense encounter, with both sides battling fiercely for control in one of the fiercest rivalries in world football. The atmosphere at Ibrox was electric from the opening whistle, with crunching tackles, heated arguments, and a level of physicality that had fans on the edge of their seats.

But what should have been remembered as another intense chapter in the Old Firm rivalry quickly spiraled into controversy after a shocking moment in the second half that has now sparked calls for serious disciplinary action.


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The Moment That Changed the Game

Around the hour mark, the game was temporarily halted after a brutal challenge that stunned players, commentators, and supporters alike.

Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate launched into a reckless challenge on Rangers midfielder Fernandez, leaving the Rangers player writhing in pain on the pitch.

Hatate appeared to come in late, with studs raised and excessive force, catching Fernandez high on the ankle before crashing through his standing leg. The collision immediately triggered furious reactions from the Rangers bench, while several Celtic players rushed in to defend their teammate as tensions escalated.

For several seconds, the stadium fell into an uneasy silence as medical staff sprinted onto the field to treat the injured Rangers midfielder.

Then the outrage began.


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Pundits Furious

Television pundits watching the incident live did not hold back in their criticism.

One former Scottish international blasted the tackle during halftime analysis:

> “This is not football anymore. That is the kind of tackle you see in a cage fight, not on a football pitch.”



Another pundit added:

> “Is this a UFC match or what? That kind of challenge is completely unacceptable at this level.”



The biggest criticism, however, was directed at the referee’s decision.

Despite protests from Rangers players and fans, the official only produced a yellow card, a decision that instantly ignited a storm of criticism across social media and sports broadcasts.

One analyst said bluntly:

> “Definitely the referee needs to be questioned. That is a straight red card in any serious league.”




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Rangers Players Lose Their Composure

The Rangers squad clearly felt the decision was unjust.

Several players surrounded the referee demanding a red card, while captain James Tavernier was seen gesturing angrily toward the VAR screen.

The frustration boiled over minutes later when another aggressive tackle sparked a heated confrontation between both teams, forcing the referee to step in and separate multiple players.

For the remainder of the match, the atmosphere turned hostile, with every Celtic touch greeted by loud boos from the Ibrox crowd.


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Calls for Lifetime Ban

Following the match, the debate exploded across Scottish football.

Multiple pundits and former players have now urged the Scottish Football Association to review the incident.

One particularly outspoken commentator said:

> “That kind of tackle should be banned from football. It endangers careers. If the authorities want to protect players, they must act.”



Another pundit went even further:

> “The SFA must review this game immediately. If that challenge is ignored, it sets a dangerous precedent. Some players should not step on a football pitch again after something like that.”



The demand from some quarters has even gone as far as calling for a lifetime ban if the tackle is judged to be intentional or reckless endangerment.


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Celtic Camp Defends Hatate

Despite the backlash, voices inside the Celtic camp have defended Hatate, claiming the incident was simply part of the intensity of an Old Firm derby.

Some supporters argued that slow-motion replays made the challenge appear worse than it actually was, insisting that Hatate was attempting to win the ball and that the contact was accidental.

However, the replay footage circulating online has continued to fuel outrage, with fans repeatedly sharing the clip and calling it “one of the worst tackles seen this season.”


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Investigation Could Follow

With the controversy refusing to die down, attention has now shifted toward the Scottish Football Association and whether it will open a formal review.

If the governing body decides the referee made a clear error, retrospective disciplinary action could still be taken against Hatate.

For now, the match that should have been remembered for football has instead become one of the most controversial Old Firm clashes in recent memory.

And across Scotland, one question keeps echoing through the football world:

Was it just a bad tackle… or something far worse? ⚽🔥